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Notes: Plan a community service project for Thanksgiving

Collect updated contact informati on from Members and Advisors and submit to Opti mist Internati onal or update your Club roster and offi cers using opti mistleaders.org

Recruit new Members

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

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NOVEMBER 2017SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY

THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

WEDNESDAY

Daylight Savings

Time Ends

Send a Reminder of

Upcoming Dates

and Acti viti es

Remind the Club and

Sponsoring Club of

Souper Bowl of

Caring

Internati onal

Children’s Day

Thanksgiving

(US)

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Club Offi cers: A Guide to Preside in StyleCongratulations on your election as a Club offi cer! You should be eager to begin a terrifi c year as a leader in your Club. By showing good judgment and possessing an enthusiastic, caring spirit, you can make a positive impact on your Club and community.

Being a Club offi cer is an exciting and prestigious position, but along with the title comes special responsibilities and duties.

This section has been prepared to help you fulfi ll those responsibilities your Club has entrusted you to carry out. By familiarizing yourself with this section and keeping it with you, you will be able to effectively lead the Members of your Club.

“People look at you and me to see what they are supposed to be. And, if we don’t disappoint them, maybe, they won’t disappoint us.” – Walt Disney

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CLU

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ERS Building Leadership Skills

“Leadership is the ability to put the right people in the right

jobs and then sit on the sidelines and be a rousing good

cheerleader.” – Anonymous

The success of any organization depends upon the leadership and guidance given by elected officers. But, leadership means more than just sitting at the head of a table at meetings. It means motivating Members to accomplish Club goals, establishing open and honest communication, and sharing your enthusiasm and excitement with other Members. Lastly, leadership means accepting responsibility for the decisions you must make on behalf of the Club.

Sometimes it’s difficult to know exactly what leadership is and how to use it; but, there are certain universal qualities that identify good leaders. If you want to be a respected leader in your Club, develop and learn to use the following qualities:

• Enthusiasm - A “can-do” attitude can make an enormous difference!

• Sensitivity - Sensitivity to the concerns and feelings of others is essential to the success of any leader. You can’t succeed without the troops!

• Decisiveness - Make informed decisions, and try not to wait until the last minute to make them. Procrastination is a definite no-no.

• Communication - Use your gift of gab! Club officers need to communicate important information to their Clubs.

• Listening - This is the twin sister of communication. An effective leader knows that Club Members have great ideas, too. Listen to those ideas!

• Delegation - There’s enough work and glory to go around. Why not share both?

• Innovation - Free the artist in you! Be creative, welcome change and look for new, imaginative projects and activities.

• Cooperation - Just like delegation, cooperation can contribute to the well-being of a Club. Leaders often learn that cooperating with Members works much better than commanding them.

• Integrity - Stick to your code of values. Members will respect you for your honesty and dependability.

• Sense of Humor - If you can laugh and not take yourself too seriously, you will succeed!

The Official, Set-in-Stone, Duties of Club OfficersThe PresidentExecutive Responsibilities

• Presides at all Club meetings• Suggests and organizes Club activities• Represents the Club at Optimist functions• Attends the District conference which is held

once a year• Appoints and supervises

committee Members• Helps to publish a Club newsletter• Votes in the case of a tie

The Secretary/TreasurerExecutive Responsibilities• Maintains all financial records• Collects dues from Club Members• Keeps the minutes of all Club meetings• Distributes copies of the minutes to all Club

Members• Handles all Club correspondence• Sends meeting reminders to all

Club Members

While the President and Secretary/Treasurer are important positions, your Club may want to elect or appoint other officers who could share some of the responsibilities suggested. Some suggestions are:

• Vice President• Public Relations Officer• Club Historian• Fundraising Chairperson• Activities Chairperson

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Section

CLUB O

FFICERSClose-Up on Club Committees

“All, from the greatest to the humblest, must work together

in harmony and devotion. We can make no advances with

only solo work. Unless the soloists and the Members of the

chorus are ready to work together in harmony, there can be

no symphony.” – Jackson Wilcox

Committees!! Banish the thought! Why have committees when Club officers have been elected?! Aren’t they supposed to do all the work?! Actually, the answer is NO. Club officers are elected to preside at meetings, plan, and direct the Club along the path to success. While they must do their share of work, Club Members too must donate a little elbow grease to Club activities. That’s why committees are sometimes useful in organizing activities and programs that are time consuming and long-term.

On the other hand, a Club does not want to establish a committee if there is no specific goal or agenda for the committee to fulfill. How do you know your Club needs to establish a committee? Easy, just answer the following questions. If you answer “yes” to a majority of the questions, it’s probably wise to consider appointing a committee.

• Is there a special project/activity that requires the efforts of several Club Members?

• Is there a long-term project that will require extra special preparation and attention?

• I s there an issue before the Club that will take some research and debate?

• Are the officers overwhelmed with projects?

• Are some projects/activities receiving less attention than they deserve by the Club?

• Does the Club want to divide, as much as possible, responsibilities among all Club Members?

You may now realize that your Club needs a committee. Only one problem remains, how to form the committee? An officer can take two approaches to that problem. First, the President can appoint Members to serve on the committee. The President should also appoint a Chair to preside at all committee meetings.

The second approach is to ask for volunteers to serve on the committee. In either case, officers should make sure that all Members who serve on the committee are sincerely interested in doing so and will perform the required amount of work. If you have committee Members who are dedicated to the goals of the committee, your committee should be an asset to the overall success of your Club!

The Making of the Minutes

“Getting something done is an accomplishment; getting

something done right is an achievement.” – Anonymous

Probably one of the most important duties of the Secretary/Treasurer is writing the minutes of each meeting. Because minutes are more than just notes for Members who missed the meeting. They are reminders of previously discussed business, a chronicle of important Club decisions and eventually, a written history of the Club.

That is why it is so important the minutes be taken with care and accuracy. “But,” many Secretary/Treasurers will ask, “how do you know what should be written in the minutes and what shouldn’t?” The most obvious answer is to record any action, vote or decision the Club takes. Beyond that, here are a few suggestions that will help you keep excellent minutes:

• Date of the meeting• Time meeting was officially called to order• Presiding officer• Who delivered the invocation• Who let the Pledge of Allegiance or Toast to

the Countries• Members, non-Members and guests who are

in attendance• Minutes were approved with/ without

corrections or additions• Treasurer’s report was read and approved• Announcements and Committee reports• Old Business (what was discussed, what

action was taken)• New Business (which new items were

discussed, what action was taken)• Any other activities or discussions• Time of adjournment

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CLU

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ERS What are All These Forms For? AAAH!

“The secret of success is to do the common things uncommonly well.” – John D. Rockefeller Jr.

Did we forget to mention that one of the duties of officers is paperwork? Well, don’t resign yet. Filling out forms and meeting deadlines will be as easy as pie if you abide by the following guide. Remember all forms must be submitted to the Junior Optimist Department at: Optimist International, 4494 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108 or fax (314) 371-6006.

Forms Made Easy• Officer Information Sheet/Election Report

Due by September 30 for Distinguished Club Award or immediately after the election of new officers for the following year (remember to include the names and address of the Chair and Advisor).

• Membership Roster Complete and send in by October 1

• Awards Applications Consult the Awards chapter for deadlines

• New Chairperson or Advisor Name and Address Although there is no form for this information, you are asked to report any changes in the Chair or Advisor position to the Junior Optimist Department. This will help the department provide your Club, Chair and Advisor with accurate and timely information

Not very difficult is it? Keep in mind that you are the direct communications link between your Club and all Members – so even though filling out forms is a breeze, it’s very important!

Club CalendarOne way to help your Club be successful is to plan in advance. As Club Officers, you may want to develop a Club calendar for the year. Include planning for projects and events as well as when they will happen. Important deadlines and Club Members birthdays should also be a part of the calendar.

How to Get the Most Out of Meetings

“It takes two to speak the truth - one to speak and another to hear.” – Henry David Thoreau

Club meetings are the backbone of any Club. Good Club meetings can mean the difference between achieving your Club’s goals or failing to reach those goals. As an officer, you will play a vital role at Club meetings. Whether you are the President and must preside at meetings or you are the Secretary/Treasurer and must take minutes, the success and productivity of Club meetings will depend on you. So, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your meetings:

1. The purpose is to share ideas • Make clear statements of your

own thinking. • Listen to what others say. This does not

mean that you indiscriminately accept everything that someone says, but do listen to what others have to say, so that you can respond appropriately.

2. Keep the discussion moving • Keep the clock in mind. It is important to stay

on the subject so that you end the meeting with concrete ideas and suggestions as to what to do next.

3. Ask for input from everyone • Participate, talk and listen. • Every Member represents a different point of view.

4. Work on a cooperative rather than competitive basis

• Working together fosters a team spirit and makes everyone feel like they have contributed.

5. Remember that this is a time for sharing concerns and ideas

• Make a list of the concerns and ideas of Members. Try to focus your sharing of concerns so that you identify a) what the problem is, and b) how you would like to handle it.

• Make a list of ideas. Share those ideas with people who can help get your message across. Decide how to implement those ideas and then take action.

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Secti onCLU

B OFFICERS

Agenda for All Meeti ngs

“In all things, success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation, there is sure to be failure.” – Confucius

1. Call to order – Meeting called to order by the

President or Presiding Offi cer

2. Invocation3. Pledge of Allegiance or Toast to the

Countries – Led by a different Member at

each meeting

4. Roll Call – Made by the Secretary with each

Member responding verbally

5. Reading of Minutes – Secretary reads the

minutes of the previous meeting

6. Approval of Minutes – Corrections or

additions may be made by Members and then

approval must be voted on

7. Treasurer’s Report – Treasurer informs

Members of any revenues or expenses and

announces the Club’s treasury balance

8. Announcements & Reports – Committee

reports, reminder of special events, etc.

9. Old Business – Members may discuss

issues or items which were discussed at

previous meetings

10. New Business – Members may discuss

new issues, items or activities which have not

been discussed at previous meetings

11. Comments – Comments by President,

reminders, etc.

12. Adjournment

Where to Get HelpDon’t let all of these duties and responsibilities scare you! There are plenty of people who are more than willing to help you. If you have any questions, you can contact:

• Sponsoring Optimist Club• District Chairperson• Committee Members• Board of Directors• Staff

For the names, addresses and phone numbers for any of these sources, please contact the Junior Optimist Department of Optimist International.

27

Junior Optimist International Personal Growth & Involvement Program The Junior Optimist Personal Growth and Involvement (PGI) Program, like the Optimist International (adult) PGI Program, is designed to encourage active participation in both meetings and activities by Members; to increase the opportunities for developing personal and leadership skills while learning about Optimism as a philosophy of life; and to honor and recognize individual Members for their own growth, personal accomplishments and contributions to their Club. There are three levels of recognition (Bronze, Silver, and Gold) in the PGI Program with a separate program for each of the three different types of Clubs (Alpha, Junior, and Octagon). A Member may complete the level requirements simultaneously and in any order over the entire course of membership within a Club; thus the requirements may be completed over multiple years of Club membership. Each level of recognition is earned only once per type of Club and a Member’s progress continues from one year to the next – you don’t start over each year; you simply continue on from where you left off the year before – the exception, is when moving up to the next type of Club, in which case the requirements must be met while a Member at that level of Club, i.e. being an officer in a Junior Club does NOT meet the requirement for someone that is a Member of an Octagon Club – they must run/serve as an officer at the Octagon Club level.

ALPHA CLUBSBRONZE LEVEL1. Attend at least 6 Club meetings

2. Bring a guest to a Club meeting or activity

3. Participate in a Club project or activity

SILVER LEVEL1. Attend 4 more Club meetings (total of 10)

2. Bring a guest to a Club meeting or activity who joins (sponsor a new Member)

3. Participate in 2 more Club projects or activities (total of 3 projects or activities)

4. Participate in a project or activity with another Optimist Club (junior or adult)

GOLD LEVEL1. Attend 5 more Club meetings (total of 15)

2. Bring a 2nd guest to a Club meeting or activity who joins (sponsor a 2nd new Member)

3. Participate in 2 more Club projects or activities (total of 5)

4. Participate in a Childhood Cancer Campaign (CCC) project or event, an Internet Safety program or event, a Junior Optimist International Reading project, a KaBOOM! Play Day, or a Souper Bowl of Caring Project or event

5. Renew membership in an Alpha Club or join a Junior Optimist Club

JUNIOR OPTIMIST CLUBSBRONZE LEVEL1. Attend at least 6 Club meetings

2. Bring a guest to a Club meeting or activity

3. Participate in 2 Club projects or activities

4. Participate in a project or activity with another Optimist Club (junior or adult)

SILVER LEVEL1. Attend 4 more Club meetings (total of 10)

2. Bring a guest to a Club meeting or activity who joins (sponsor a new Member)

3. Participate in 2 more Club projects or activities (total of 3)

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4. Participate in a Childhood Cancer Campaign (CCC) project or event, an Internet Safety program or event, a Junior Optimist International Reading project, a KaBOOM! Play Day, or a Souper Bowl of Caring Project or event

5. Attend an adult Optimist Club meeting or event (not a joint project)

GOLD LEVEL1. Attend 5 more Club meetings (total of 15)

2. Bring a 2nd guest to a Club meeting or activity who joins (sponsor a 2nd new Member)

3. Participate in 2 more Club projects or activities (total of 5)

4. Run/serve as a Club Officer or Board Member

5. Organize a Club project or activity

6. Attend a District Convention or District adult Conference/Convention

7. Renew membership in a Junior Optimist Club or join an Octagon Club

OCTAGON CLUBSBRONZE LEVEL1. Attend at least 6 Club meetings

2. Bring a guest to a Club meeting or activity who joins (sponsor a new Member)

3. Participate in 2 Club projects or activities

4. Participate in a project or activity with another Optimist Club (junior or adult)

5. Attend an adult Optimist Club meeting or event (not a joint project)

SILVER LEVEL1. Attend 4 more Club meetings (total of 10

meetings)

2. Bring a 2nd guest to a Club meeting or activity who joins (sponsor a 2nd new Member)

3. Participate in 2 more Club projects or activities (total of 3)

4. Participate in a Childhood Cancer Campaign (CCC) project or event, an Internet Safety program or event, a Junior Optimist International Reading project, a KaBOOM! Play Day, or a Souper Bowl of Caring Project or event

5. Run/serve as a Club Officer or Board Member

6. Organize a Club project or activity

7. Participate in a Junior Optimist presentation

GOLD LEVEL1. Attend 5 more Club meetings (total of 15)

2. Participate in building a new Club or bring a 3rd and 4th guest to a Club meeting or activity who joins (sponsor a 3rd and 4th new Member)

3. Participate in 2 more Club projects or activities (total of 5)

4. Participate in a 2nd Childhood Cancer Campaign (CCC) project or event, an Internet Safety program or event, a Junior Optimist International Reading project, a KaBOOM! Play Day, or a Souper Bowl of Caring Project or event

5. Organize a 2nd Club project or activity

6. Participate in a presentation to adults

7. Attend a District or International Convention

8. Attend an adult Zone Meeting or District Conference/Convention

9. Renew membership in an Octagon Club, join an adult Optimist Club or recruit a new Octagon Club Member (this would be the 3rd new Member, if you help build a new Club, or a 5th new Member)

All Members who reach bronze, silver, or gold level will receive a medallion and certificate from Optimist International and be recognized in The Torch and on their name badge at the Junior Optimist International Convention.

All Members who reach the gold level will also receive special recognition at the Junior Optimist International Convention.

Clubs and/or Districts may opt to present additional awards.

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ALPHA Personal Growth & Involvement Tracking Form

Name: __________________________________ Level Achieved: ________________________________

Club Name and Number: __________________________________________________________________

Sponsoring Club Name and Number: ________________________________________________________

Advisor: _____________________________________ Advisor: __________________________________ Print Name Signature

Advisors must initial the following requirements upon completion as well as provide a signature.

ALPHA CLUB

BRONZE LEVEL ______ Attend at least six (6) Club meetings

______ Bring a guest to a Club meeting or activity

______ Participate in a Club project or activity

SILVER LEVEL ______ Attend four (4) more Club meetings (total of 10 meetings)

______ Bring a guest to a Club meeting or activity who joins (sponsor a new Member)

______ Participate in two (2) more Club projects or activities (total of 3 projects or activities)

______ Participate in a project of activity with another Optimist Club (junior or adult)

GOLD LEVEL ______ Attend five (5) more Club meetings (total of 15 meetings)

______ Bring a another guest to a Club meeting or activity who joins (sponsor a 2nd new Member)

______ Participate in two (2) more Club projects or activities (total of 5 projects or activities)

______ Participate in a Childhood Cancer Campaign (CCC) project or event, and Internet Safety program or event, a Junior Optimist Reading project, a KaBOOM! Play Day, or a Souper Bowl of Caring project

or event

______ Renew membership in an Alpha Club or join a Junior Optimist Club

**All Members who reach bronze, silver, or gold level will receive a medallion and certificate from Optimist International and be recognized in The Torch and will also receive special recognition at the Junior Optimist International Convention. Clubs and/or Districts may opt to present additional awards.

Please submit this PGI Tracking Form directly to:Optimist International

Junior Optimist Department4494 Lindell BoulevardSaint Louis, MO 63108

Fax: (314) 371-6006 youthclubs@optimist.org

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JUNIOR OPTIMIST Personal Growth & Involvement Tracking Form

Name: __________________________________ Level Achieved: ________________________________

Club Name and Number: __________________________________________________________________

Sponsoring Club Name and Number: ________________________________________________________

Advisor: _____________________________________ Advisor: __________________________________ Print Name Signature

Advisors must initial the following requirements upon completion as well as provide a signature.

JUNIOR OPTIMIST CLUBBRONZE LEVEL ______ Attend at least six (6) Club meetings ______ Bring a guest to a Club meeting or activity ______ Participate in two (2) Club projects or activities ______ Participate in a project of activity with another Optimist Club (junior or adult)

SILVER LEVEL ______ Attend four (4) more Club meetings (total of 10 meetings)______ Bring a guest to a Club meeting or activity who joins (sponsor

a new Member)______ Participate in two (2) more Club projects or activities (total of 4

projects or activities)______ Participate in a Childhood Cancer Campaign (CCC) project or event,

and Internet Safety program or event, a Junior Optimist Reading project, a KaBOOM! Play Day, or a Souper Bowl of Caring project or event

______ Attend an adult Optimist Club meeting or event (not a joint project)

GOLD LEVEL ______ Attend five (5) more Club meetings (total of 15 meetings) ______ Bring a another guest to a Club meeting or activity who joins (sponsor a 2nd new Member) ______ Participate in two (2) more Club projects or activities (total of 6 projects or activities)

______ Run and/or serve as a Club Officer or Board Member ______ Organize a Club project or activity ______ Attend a District Junior Optimist Convention or a District adult Conference/Convention ______ Renew membership in a Junior Optimist Club or join an Octagon Club

**All Members who reach bronze, silver, or gold level will receive a medallion and certificate from Optimist International and be recognized in The Torch and will also receive special recognition at the Junior Optimist International Convention. Clubs and/or Districts may opt to present additional awards.

Please submit this PGI Tracking Form directly to:Optimist International

Junior Optimist Department4494 Lindell BoulevardSaint Louis, MO 63108

Fax: (314) 371-6006 youthclubs@optimist.org

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OCTAGON Personal Growth & Involvement Tracking Form

Name: __________________________________ Level Achieved: ________________________________

Club Name and Number: __________________________________________________________________

Sponsoring Club Name and Number: ________________________________________________________

Advisor: _____________________________________ Advisor: __________________________________ Print Name Signature

Advisors must initial the following requirements upon completion as well as provide a signature.

OCTAGON CLUBBRONZE LEVEL ______ Attend at least six (6) Club meetings

______ Bring a guest to a Club meeting or activity who joins (sponsor a new Member)

______ Participate in two (2) Club projects or activities

______ Participate in a project of activity with another Optimist Club (junior or adult)

______ Attend an adult Optimist Club meeting or event (not a joint project)

SILVER LEVEL ______ Attend four (4) more Club meetings (total of 10 meetings)

______ Bring a second guest to a Club meeting or activity who joins (sponsor a 2nd new Member)

______ Participate in two (2) more Club projects or activities (total of 4 projects or activities)

______ Participate in a Childhood Cancer Campaign (CCC) project or event, and Internet Safety

program or event, a Junior Optimist Reading project, a KaBOOM! Play Day, or a Souper

Bowl of Caring project of event

______ Run and/or serve as a Club Officer or Board Member

______ Organize a Club project or activity

______ Participate in a presentation

GOLD LEVEL ______ Attend five (5) more Club meetings (total of 15 meetings)

______ Participate in building a new Club or bring a third and fourth guest to a Club meeting or

activity who joins (sponsor a 3rd and 4th new Member)

______ Participate in two (2) more Club projects or activities (total of 6 projects or activities)

______ Participate in a second Childhood Cancer Campaign (CCC) project or event, and Internet

Safety program or event, a Junior Optimist Reading project, a KaBOOM! Play Day, or a

Souper Bowl of Caring project of event

______ Organize a second Club project or activity

______ Participate in a presentation to adults

______ Attend a District or International Convention

______ Attend an adult Zone Meeting or District Conference/Convention

______ Renew membership in an Octagon Club, join an adult Optimist Club or recruit a new

Octagon Club Member (a 3rd new Member if you helped build a new Club or a 5th new

Member if you did not)

**All Members who reach bronze, silver, or gold level will receive a medallion and certificate from Optimist International and be recognized in The Torch and will also receive special recognition at the Junior Optimist International Convention. Clubs and/or Districts may opt to present additional awards.

Please submit this PGI Tracking Form directly to:Optimist International

Junior Optimist Department4494 Lindell BoulevardSaint Louis, MO 63108

Fax: (314) 371-6006 youthclubs@optimist.org

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T! Junior Opti mist Internati onal Club AwardsClub Project AwardsEvery year, the Club Project Awards offer Clubs the chance to enter their best projects for judging and international recognition in three different categories. All Alpha, Junior Optimist and Octagon Clubs in good standing are eligible. Winners are featured in The Torch and the projects are listed on the website. Remember to include lots of photos of your Members in action!

The offi cial categories are:Service ProjectsFundraising Projects Club Building Projects

• The Alpha Club and Junior Optimist Club entries will be judged separately from the Octagon Club entries unless fewer than 30 books are submitted.

• The decisions of the judges are fi nal.

Prize: First Place Winners - $50, Offi cial Certifi cate and Banner Patch

Second Place Winners – Offi cial Certifi cate and Banner Patch

Please submit Club Project Awards no later than Sept. 30 to:Optimist InternationalJunior Optimist Department4494 Lindell BoulevardSaint Louis, MO 63108Fax: (314) 371-6006youthclubs@optimist.org

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Club Name: _____________________Club #: _________________________ Project Date: _____________

Name of Project: __________________________________________________________________________

Type of Project: q Service q Fundraising q Club Building

Number of Members Participated _________________________

Number of Adults Participated ___________________________

Number of People Served _______________________________

Amount of Money Raised $ ______________________________

Number of Hours Worked _______________________________

Give a brief description of the Project: ________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

Please attach any back-up materials such as pictures, programs, announcements, newspaper clippings, etc., that you feel would help someone else understand how to conduct this project. Any materials that you submit with this form will not be returned to you.

This form should be submitted no later than September 30 to: Optimist International

Junior Optimist Department4494 Lindell BoulevardSaint Louis, MO 63108

Fax: (314) 371-6006 youthclubs@optimist.org

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Service Projects that WorkOctathon Little OlympicsIn an effort to provide local elementary school students with a day of fun, competition and camaraderie, the Meeker, Oklahoma Octagon Club put together the Octathon Little Olympics. Ensuring that no child was left behind, the Club opened the competition to every local elementary school student.

Letters were sent to each student a week before the event. Posters were hung in local schools and the newspaper ran an informative article describing the activity. The Club purchased soda and candy bars to serve as refreshments.

On the day of the event, the students participated in eight events at the elementary school playground. The events were: obstacle course, tennis ball throw, water carry, basketball, knock your socks off, 50-yard dash, wheel barrel race and jump rope.

After each grade completed an event, first, second and third place ribbons were presented. At the conclusion of the day, eight overall winners were presented awards. Every student received participation ribbons.

Results: Students received a full day of fun and exercise, which is good for the body and soul. The elementary students also had an opportunity to interact with older local students, giving them role models in the community and encouragement to stay in school.

Club Members also benefited from the event. Members got the chance to experience hands-on service with younger peers. The Club also got excellent publicity in the local school system as well as in the community newspaper, which covered the event.

Variety Shows and Ice Cream Socials for Senior CitizensUpon realizing that many senior citizens at retirement homes do not receive many visitors, the Woodside, California Octagon Club decided to organize an ice cream social and variety show for residents.

After a chilly spring, the weather had just begun to show signs of summer. Club Members felt it was the perfect time to refresh their senior neighbors with some ice cream. Octagon Members also wished to entertain by orchestrating a show with singing, dancing and music.

The Club publicized the event by placing fliers and reminders around school and at the retirement center. Organizers also met with the center’s activity coordinator to help advertise. A short article was printed in the local newspaper and reminders appeared on the Club website.

Results: The show entertained senior citizens who are often bored in the retirement home. The program helped improve the relationship between generations, while giving the community’s older generation some faith that the future is in good hands.

Club Members felt the project was beneficial for them as well. Working directly with Members of the Club and the community solidified their interest in Optimists.

If your Club just can’t seem to think of a project, help them brainstorm. Explore the following ideas:

Local Parks and Playgrounds• Do they have plenty of safe, fun equipment?• Are they clean and supplied with trash cans?• Are there enough picnic benches?• Is there plenty of shade?

Literacy• Are there younger youth in your school/

community who need help mentoring?• Is there a local library that could use

donated books?

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Check Out Your School• Are there enough bike racks?• Are crosswalks safe and marked

appropriately?• Is the library well-stocked?• Does the school have an adequate number of

computers?• Are there Clubs or sports teams needing new

equipment or uniforms?

Senior Citi zens• Do seniors have transportation to run

errands?• Does the local nursing home get decorated

for holidays?• Do seniors receive visits from any groups?

Chatting and playing games are important activities!

Homeless• Is there a facility for homeless people to get

food and shelter?• Do food pantries and shelters have enough

supplies and volunteers to distribute them?

Town Safety• Are there enough streetlights to allow people

to walk comfortably after dark?• Does your neighborhood have a watch

program and police patrol?• Are there safe places for kids to play off

the streets?

Community Improvement• Are there trees or fl owers along city streets?• Are nearby beaches, streams, lakes and rivers

clean?• Are buildings and underpasses graffi ti free?• Is the trash picked up along highways,

sidewalks and public places?

Good luck with your project! If you have any questi ons, please contact:

Optimist InternationalJunior Optimist Department4494 Lindell BoulevardSaint Louis, MO 63108Fax: (314) 371-6006youthclubs@optimist.org

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